Djokovic Faces Hanfmann in Shanghai Masters Round of 32

Shanghai, China – Novak Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, is set to face Yannick Hanfmann in the Round of 32 at the 2025 Shanghai Masters on Sunday, October 5. Djokovic, who has won this tournament four times, comes into this match after defeating Marin Cilic 7-6(2), 6-4 in his opening round. Hanfmann, currently ranked No. 150 in the world, has had a successful week, winning his qualifying matches and defeating seeded players to reach this stage.

Both players have differing histories on the court. Djokovic leads their head-to-head 1-0, having won their previous encounter at the 2024 Geneva Open. The Serbian player is currently ranked No. 5 in the world and is coming off a strong season where he reached the semifinals in all four Grand Slam tournaments.

Despite being the underdog, Hanfmann, 33, has demonstrated resilience in his recent matches, notably defeating No. 9 seed Mochizuki and other strong players. His success rate hovers around 50% this season, and he is eager to make a mark at this high-profile event.

Betting odds heavily favor Djokovic, with an implied 81% chance of advancing. Experts predict that Djokovic’s unrivalled return game will be a significant challenge for Hanfmann, who will need to perform exceptionally well to keep pace. Djokovic’s focus on Grand Slams has intensified in recent years, but he has shown that he can compete fiercely at any tournament.

As both players prepare for this pivotal clash, fans anticipate an exciting match that sets the stage for the remainder of the tournament. The match is scheduled for 10:30 AM local time and can be viewed on various sports channels globally.